Books about Cancer for Kids

What does an 85 year old woman do who has just gone through 10 hours of surgery to remove a rather stubborn squamous cell cancer and is now stuck in ICU?   Well, anything she wants to do, which in my aunt’s case is to leave the hospital and go home where she’s more comfortable.  Such has been my life lately – worrying about my aunt, and therefore not doing a whole heck of a lot on the internet.

Considering my life has been consumed with cancer lately though, I thought I could put together a list of books for kids concerning this horrible disease which seems to have touched everyone I know in one way, shape or form.  It’s something to keep my mind busy.   So, here you go:

Picture books for the very young (3-8):

Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo by Eileen Sutherland

An informative and reassuring story, this book helps families talk about breast cancer, gently preparing children for what lies ahead in the weeks and months following their mother’s diagnosis.

The Famous Hat - A story book to help children with childhood cancer to prepare for treatment, namely chemotherapy, and losing their hair. by Kate Gaynor
This book has been designed to help children with leukemia (or other forms of cancer) to prepare for treatment, namely chemotherapy, and a stay in hospital.

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
A wonderful story about the invisible string that connects loved ones. Whenever one thinks about another member of the family, the string gives a tug and you feel it.

Let My Colors Out by Courtney Filigenzi
Unfortunately, many young children today are dealing with their parents’ diagnoses and battles with lifethreatening illnesses. In Let My Colors Out, a young child is dealing with his mom’s diagnosis and treatment of cancer. He experiences a range of emotions—scared, sad, jealous, feeling fine, denial, anger—that together form a rainbow of hope through this critical time.

When Someone You Love Has Cancer
A helpful resource for how to talk to a child about a parent's cancer diagnosis

The Lemonade Club by Patricia Polacco
When Marilyn and her teacher, Miss Wichelman, both get cancer, they encourage each other and, aided by medical treatments and support from friends, they get better.

Books for Older Children (6+)

Because . . . Someone I Love Has Cancer: Kids' Activity Book
This inspired publication is designed to address the basic goals of therapeutic support for children who have a loved one with cancer.

Notes from the Dog by Garl Paulsen
When Johanna shows up at the beginning of summer to house-sit next door to Finn, he has no idea of the profound effect she will have on his life by the time summer vacation is over.

Ida B: . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan
In Wisconsin, fourth-grader Ida B spends happy hours being home-schooled and playing in her family's apple orchard, until her mother begins treatment for breast cancer and her parents must sell part of the orchard and send her to public school.

Runt: Story of a Boy by V. M. Caldwell
Although he tries to make a home with his older sister and her boyfriend after his mother's death, twelve-year-old Runt feels like an outsider until a young cancer patient and his family show him how life can become more meaningful.

The Year My Mother Was Bald by Ann Speltz
Clare keeps a journal that describes the medical treatments her mother undergoes for breast cancer, her family's experiences, and her own feelings and concerns. Includes a list of resources.